At all ages, making friends is important, and creating lasting friendships even more so.
Special bonds of friendship help children learn cultural norms, how to interact with one another, and to resolve conflicts, to name a few.
According to Harmony Learning, experts in learning and development, friendships that are based on mutual respect, kindness, and caring for one another are priceless and can be challenging to keep intact.
There are ways to help your child on their journey to creating long-lasting friendships that are mutually beneficial and fulfilling.
Inviting friends over to play
Children often make their first friends at school. When they are excited about, or talk about a certain friend often, offer them the opportunity to invite that friend over. This allows them the chance to get to know the friend in a different context and potentially connect on more shared interests. Inviting friends out to activities also offers this opportunity. As a parent you can stimulate a friendship with the other child’s parents, encouraging more interaction and allowing a deeper friendship between the kids to grow.
Teach your child to be kind to their friends
Be a role model to your child. They mimic what you do, and the way you engage with other people is one of them. Show them how you treat your own friends. Teach them about what makes a good friend, and how to treat their friends. This can be done through play.
Comfort your child when friendships do not last
It is not easy watching your child go through a rough patch with their friends. Their emotions are heightened and it is not always clear what to do. Give your child an opportunity to tell you how they feel, as it is important to comfort them, but also for them to learn from this experience.
Research has found that playing with dolls teaches children empathy, and are a tool to teach kids how to treat their friends.
– My Pressportal
